Miller: So long, Sandy

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Erica Marciniec did a very nice job outlining all of Sandy Greenhut's contributions to the Summit County community in her Friday story. Her leaving the county is a great loss, and as the story pointed out, it's hard even for her to remember all the many things for which she was a catalyst over the years.

It's rare to find people like Sandy so focused on the greater good that they're entirely unconcerned with how they may be perceived by others. Sandy reveled in being a pain in the butt to anyone who either got in her way, didn't move fast enough or just simply didn't get the importance of what she was trying to get done. Her boundless energy, tireless devotion to the arts, education, politics and whatever else crossed her path that needed attention, is a model for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community.

Like most places, Summit County is full of residents new and old who do little to improve their community yet complain bitterly if something in their backyard isn't quite as they'd like. Couple that with uncommitted second-home owners and even more unconcerned tourists and the people like Sandy who stick it out year after year and work to improve things become even more important. It's hard to imagine anyone being able to step into her shoes and have even half of her impact, but I hope someone does.

Best of luck to you, Sandy. I'm glad I had the chance to work with you over the years.